France and Italy Itinerary Ideas for 1, 2, or 3 Week Trips
I’ve been traveling through France and Italy since I was a little kid, and they’re still two of my favorite places to revisit. My first trip had me feeding pigeons in Venice and pretending to like gelato (I’ve since gotten better at both). Since then, I’ve returned many times, and over the years, I’ve learned what makes for a fun, efficient, and not-too-rushed first-time itinerary through these iconic countries.
This guide will help you figure out how many cities to visit, how long to stay in each place, and how to put together a trip that won’t leave you exhausted by day four. I’ve also included sample itineraries that cover 7, 10, 14, and even 18-night trips, using the pacing I’ve found to be the sweet spot for most travelers.
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The advice in this article is designed for people who want to see the most famous sights in France and Italy while still having time to enjoy the local culture — not just rush from city to city. I’m a big believer that 3 nights in each major city is ideal, with occasional day trips to places like Pisa, Cinque Terre, or the Amalfi Coast.
This article was most recently updated in August, 2025.
How Long Should You Stay in Each City?
Trying to see all of Italy and France in two weeks? That can easily turn into a blur of trains, hotel check-ins, and hurried sightseeing. In cities like Rome or Paris, even booking two nights leaves you with just one full day to explore—and that rarely cuts it.
Most travel experts, including myself, recommend minimum 3 nights per major city — ideally even more if you want to soak in the food, culture, and pace. This helps avoid burnout, lets you feel grounded, and gives you space to pivot if plans change.
>>>Going just to Italy?: Here are the best first-time Italy itineraries for 3 days to two weeks
Best Airports to Start and End Your Trip
If you’re planning to visit both France and Italy on the same trip, your best bet is to fly into one country and out of the other — known as an “open-jaw” ticket. These fares are surprisingly common and often cost the same as round-trip tickets into and out of a single airport.
The most popular airports for this kind of trip are Paris (CDG) and Rome (FCO). Both have nonstop flights to major cities around the world and are ideal starting points for first-time visitors.
The first thing to try is this:
- (your city) to Paris one-way
- Rome to (your city) one-way
Compare that to this:
- (your city) to Paris round-trip
- (your city) to Rome round-trip
Open-jaw tickets are especially useful if you only have 7 to 10 days — they save you from doubling back and give you more time to enjoy each destination. If you’re flying from North America, you’ll often find the best deals into Paris, but always check both directions before booking.
Getting Around Once You’re in Europe
The good news is that getting between cities in France and Italy is easy, fast, and surprisingly affordable — especially if you book in advance. High-speed trains are usually the best way to go, offering a comfortable, scenic ride right into the heart of each city. Unlike airports, train stations are central, so you avoid long transfers and security lines.
If you’re going from Paris to Italy, the overnight train from Paris to Venice used to be a favorite, but it’s no longer running. These days, most travelers take a quick flight — often cheaper than the train — or make a stop in Switzerland or the French Riviera to break up the journey.
Once you’re in Italy, trains are almost always the best option. Routes like Rome to Florence or Florence to Venice are high-speed, with frequent departures and short travel times. Booking early on Trenitalia or ItaloTreno can get you excellent fares — sometimes as low as €20 for first class.
There’s really no need to rent a car for a trip like this unless you’re venturing deep into the countryside. For city-to-city travel, stick with trains — they’re faster, easier, and far less stressful.
Best Cities in France for First-Time Visitors
Paris (minimum 3 nights but even that is rushing it)
Paris is the perfect gateway to a France and Italy trip, and it easily deserves at least 3 nights — honestly, even that feels rushed. I’ve been to Paris many times over the years, and I still discover something new each visit. The city is endlessly walkable, full of hidden cafés, elegant parks, and world-class museums that never disappoint.
My personal favorites include an evening Seine river cruise (timing it for sunset feels magical), wandering through the narrow streets of Le Marais, and spending a lazy morning in a neighborhood café with nothing but a croissant and a bit of people-watching. The Eiffel Tower is iconic, of course, but I think the real magic of Paris comes from the smaller moments — finding your own favorite corner of the city.
If you plan on seeing several of the major sights, the Paris Pass is worth looking into. It includes entry to the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, and even a Seine cruise, often saving you both money and time in ticket lines. I’ve used it myself and found that it’s a stress-free way to hit the highlights without constantly pulling out your wallet.
For first-timers, I recommend spending 3 or 4 nights in Paris before flying or taking a train south toward Italy. This gives you enough time to see the big landmarks without missing the slower, more romantic side of the city.
Provence region (optional 2 or 3 nights)
If you’re heading from Paris to the south of France, the most efficient route is typically to go straight to Nice and the French Riviera. But if beach towns aren’t your thing — or if you’re traveling from November through March, when the coast is quiet — the Provence region offers a completely different and equally memorable detour.
This area is where Van Gogh lived and painted, and it’s home to the Papal Palace in Avignon, where seven popes resided in the 1300s. Arles is the historic heart of the region and a good base for exploring, though Avignon might be even better for first-time visitors — it’s charming, compact, and very tourist-friendly.
From Avignon, you can explore the Côtes du Rhône wine road, a scenic trail linking hilltop villages, vineyards, and wineries. Provence also has a distinct cuisine — lighter and more Mediterranean — and even by French standards, the food is excellent.
This isn’t necessarily essential on your first trip unless you have a longer itinerary or specific interest in food, wine, or rural France, but it’s a beautiful and rewarding region to explore if time allows.
Paris to Avignon by train: About 3.5 hours
Avignon to Nice by train: About 3 hours
Nice, France (minimum 2 nights)
NiceNice is the ideal base for exploring the French Riviera, and it works in almost any season. While it’s best known as a summer destination, Nice stays active year-round, with locals out enjoying the seafront promenade even in the cooler months.
First-time visitors often underestimate how different this region feels compared to Paris. The Mediterranean vibe is strong — slower pace, brighter colors, and a coastline dotted with glamorous spots like Monaco, Cannes, and Èze, all of which are easy day trips by train or bus.
Nice itself has a charming old town, great views from Castle Hill, and some solid museums if the weather turns. I’ve stayed there in both winter and spring, and the combination of scenery and ease of access makes it one of the best intro stops in France. And since it has an international airport, you can often fly home from Nice rather than backtrack to Paris — a major plus.
Avignon to Nice by train: About 3 hours
Nice to Rome by air: About 1.5 hours (direct flights are common)
Best Cities in Italy for First-Time Visitors
Milan (1 night or just skip it)
Milan might be Italy’s fashion capital and a major business hub, but for most first-time visitors, it’s not a must-see. If you’re flying into Milan, it’s worth spending a night to visit the magnificent Duomo di Milano and take a stroll through the upscale Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. If you’re into art, you can try to snag tickets for The Last Supper, but those tend to sell out months in advance.
Personally, I’ve always found Milan a bit cold and formal compared to the rest of Italy. It’s very modern and efficient, which might be refreshing after Paris, but it lacks the charm and walkable beauty of cities like Rome or Florence. That said, if your flight lands here or departs from here, a short stay can make sense.
Nice to Milan by train: About 5 hours
Milan to Florence by train: About 1 hour 55 minutes
Venice (1 night minimum, 2 nights maximum)
Venice is one of the most unique and beautiful cities in the world — and also one of the most touristy. Everyone should see it at least once, and even though it’s often crowded and expensive, the experience of wandering through its maze of canals and bridges is worth it. Just don’t overstay. The novelty fades quickly, especially when you realize how limited the dining options are near the major sights.
If you arrive in the afternoon, spend your first evening wandering, soaking in the twilight views, and maybe taking a sunset vaporetto ride down the Grand Canal. Then wake up early to explore St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge before the cruise ship crowds arrive.
From experience, I’ve found that 1 or 2 nights is ideal. That gives you plenty of time to see the best of Venice without getting overwhelmed — or overcharged. And if you’re visiting in summer, bring patience: the narrow alleys and packed squares can feel claustrophobic by midday.
Florence to Venice by train: About 2 hours
Venice to Rome by train: About 3 hours 45 minutes
Florence (2 nights minimum, plus side trips)
Florence is the heart of Tuscany and the birthplace of the Renaissance — and for many travelers, it ends up being their favorite stop in Italy. It’s compact, beautiful, and packed with world-class art and architecture, yet it also feels more relaxed than Rome or Venice. Two nights is the minimum, but if you’re planning side trips (which you absolutely should), it’s worth staying longer.
Climbing to the top of the Duomo is a highlight, as is seeing Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia. But what makes Florence even better is that it’s the perfect base for exploring Tuscany. A half-day to Pisa, a full day in the Cinque Terre, or a countryside wine tour through Chianti are all easy from here. You can even zip down to Rome in under 2 hours if needed.
For hotels, staying near the train station (Santa Maria Novella) is ideal for easy arrivals and day trips, while areas closer to the Duomo or Ponte Vecchio put you right in the center of the action.
Venice to Florence by train: About 2 hours
Florence to Rome by train: About 1.5 hours
Pisa (a few hours on a day trip at most)
Let’s be honest — you come to Pisa for the Leaning Tower, and there’s nothing wrong with that. The tower itself is iconic and surprisingly impressive in person, especially when you realize it’s just one piece of a gorgeous complex that includes a cathedral and baptistery all on the same square.
Fortunately, Pisa is an easy and worthwhile day trip from Florence, taking just about an hour by train. You can walk from the train station to the tower in 20 minutes, or grab a quick taxi. Plan on a few hours total unless you want to climb the tower (you’ll need advance tickets), and then head back to Florence in time for aperitivo.
The rest of Pisa is a typical small Tuscan city with some charm, but most visitors don’t feel the need to stay overnight. That said, if you’re collecting classic photo ops on your trip, the Leaning Tower is a must.
Florence to Pisa by train: About 1 hour
Cinque Terre (1 night, optional)
The Cinque Terre — a string of five cliffside villages along Italy’s Ligurian coast — has gone from hidden gem to international favorite, and it’s easy to see why. With pastel-colored buildings clinging to rocky hillsides, turquoise water below, and scenic hiking trails connecting the towns, it’s one of the most visually striking places in all of Europe.
That said, it’s not for everyone, especially if you’re short on time or visiting outside the warmer months. In cooler seasons, many restaurants and small hotels close, and the towns can feel a bit too quiet. In summer, they can be packed to the point of frustration. But in April, May, or September? Pure magic.
You can visit on a day trip from Florence or even Pisa if you get an early start, but staying one night lets you enjoy the villages after the day-trippers have left. The town of Monterosso has the best beaches, Vernazza is the most photogenic, and Riomaggiore is a common base for budget travelers.
Florence to La Spezia (gateway to Cinque Terre): About 2.5 hours by train
Rome (minimum 3 nights)
Rome is overwhelming in all the best ways. It’s packed with history, buzzing with life, and constantly serving up postcard views at every turn. The Eternal City is a must for first-timers, and three nights is the sweet spot to soak in the highlights without feeling rushed.
The main attractions are clustered fairly close together, so you can cover a lot on foot. One full day is enough to explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and nearby sites like the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. Another full day can be devoted to the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, and maybe a guided walking tour or open-top bus ride to tie it all together.
My advice: Stay in or near the Centro Storico, or slightly east in the Monti neighborhood if you prefer a quieter local feel. Monti is still walkable to the Colosseum but offers a more authentic vibe with better restaurants and cafés.
Rome can be chaotic, but that’s part of its charm. After many visits, I still find new corners and surprising moments every time I go. The key is not to overschedule — leave time to wander, grab gelato, and watch the city unfold.
Florence to Rome by train: About 1.5 hours
Rome to Paris by air: About 2 hours
Naples/Pompeii/Sorrento/Amalfi Coast (optional up to 4 nights)
The “big 3” in Italy are Rome, Florence, and Venice, and if you have time for only 3 cities those are the obvious ones to choose. But if you want to dig deeper into Italy and you have enough time, your next best choice will be to base yourself in Sorrento and use it to explore Naples, the ruins of Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, and the island of Capri.
Naples has a reputation — some deserved, some exaggerated — but it’s definitely a city that leaves an impression. It’s fast-paced, gritty, and chaotic, yet packed with history, character, and what many call the best pizza in the world. The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with narrow alleys, bustling markets, and centuries-old churches.
That said, Naples isn’t for everyone. The lack of green spaces, constant traffic, and overall energy can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not staying long. For most first-time visitors, it works best as a day trip to explore the historic center and grab an authentic pizza lunch before heading back to a more relaxing base.
If you’re planning to visit Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast, staying in Sorrento is usually a smarter and more enjoyable choice.
Rome to Naples by train: About 1 hour
Naples to Sorrento by local train: About 1 hour
Stay in Sorrento
Sorrento is the perfect base for exploring this entire region. It’s a charming and relaxed town perched on cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples, with a historic center filled with narrow lanes, outdoor cafés, and shops selling local limoncello. Compared to Naples, Sorrento feels calm, clean, and welcoming — making it a far better place to stay, especially for first-time visitors.
From Sorrento, it’s easy to take day trips to Pompeii, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast. Ferries and buses run regularly, and for some routes, splitting a taxi fare with fellow travelers can be surprisingly affordable and scenic.
I’ve always found Sorrento to be one of Italy’s most pleasant small cities. It has the charm of a coastal village but with enough restaurants and conveniences to feel comfortable for a multi-night stay. Plus, the views from the cliffs and marinas are reason enough to linger here for a few days.
Amalfi Coast and the Island of Capri
The Amalfi Coast is famous for a reason — its dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and winding seaside roads make it one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world. Positano and Amalfi are the main towns you’ll want to visit, both reachable by bus, ferry, or taxi from Sorrento. Just be aware that the roads are narrow and can get extremely congested during peak season, which is why the ferry is often the most relaxing (and scenic) way to go.
The Island of Capri is another iconic destination, known for its upscale vibe, natural beauty, and the famous Blue Grotto. It’s an easy ferry ride from Sorrento, making it a perfect day trip. Even if you skip the expensive boat tours, just walking through the main town and visiting the viewpoints is worth the journey.
If you’re deciding between the two, the Amalfi Coast offers more variety and local charm, while Capri is more polished and feels a bit like stepping into a glamorous postcard. Both are worthwhile, but Sorrento remains the best home base to explore them without the hassle of moving hotels.
Bologna is the best addition for foodies
If you’re looking to add a destination that’s a little off the typical tourist trail — but still very easy to reach — Bologna is a fantastic choice. Known as Italy’s culinary capital, Bologna offers some of the best traditional food in the country, including tagliatelle al ragù (what many people mistakenly call spaghetti Bolognese), tortellini, mortadella, and more.
The city itself has a lively, youthful vibe thanks to its university — the oldest in Europe — and a beautiful historic center filled with portico-covered streets. It’s also less touristy than Florence or Venice, so prices are a bit lower and the experience feels more authentic.
If you’re passionate about Italian cuisine, Bologna is absolutely worth a 1- or 2-night detour. It’s located on the main train line between Florence and Venice, so it’s an easy stop without adding much travel time. Plus, it’s an excellent place to take a food tour or cooking class if you want to dive deeper into the culinary scene.
Florence to Bologna by train: About 40 minutes
Bologna to Venice by train: About 1.5 hours
Cinque Terre photo by World Walk About on Flickr
Sample Itineraries for France and Italy Trips
You can mix and match cities depending on how much time you have, but here are a few sample itineraries that balance sightseeing with a realistic travel pace. Remember, three nights per major city is the sweet spot for not feeling rushed.
7 Nights – Classic First-Time Combo
- Paris (3 nights)
- Fly or take the train to Rome (4 nights)
This is the most efficient trip if you’re short on time. You’ll see the two most iconic cities in Europe with enough time to enjoy the highlights without burning out.
10 Nights – Balanced France & Italy
- Paris (3 nights)
- Florence (3 nights, with a half-day trip to Pisa or wine country)
- Rome (4 nights)
This is a great pace for a first trip, allowing you to explore France’s capital, soak up the best of Tuscany, and finish with enough time in Rome to see the big sights and relax.
12–14 Nights – Add the Riviera or Venice
Option A:
- Paris (3 nights)
- Nice (2 nights)
- Florence (3 nights)
- Rome (4 nights)
Option B:
- Paris (3 nights)
- Florence (3 nights)
- Venice (1–2 nights)
- Rome (4 nights)
Adding the French Riviera or Venice gives the trip more variety. Nice is a great option in warmer months, while Venice is iconic but best with just a short stay.
15–18 Nights – Expand to Sorrento or Bologna
- Paris (3 nights)
- Florence (3 nights)
- Rome (4 nights)
- Sorrento (3 nights for Amalfi Coast/Pompeii/Capri)
or
- Paris (3 nights)
- Florence (3 nights)
- Bologna (1–2 nights between Florence and Venice)
- Venice (1–2 nights)
- Rome (3–4 nights)
If you’ve got more than two weeks, slowing down is smarter than adding more cities. Sorrento offers a relaxing coastal base with easy day trips, while Bologna is perfect for food lovers looking for something a bit different.
Hi Roger.
What a nice site you have here. I have a question. My wife and I are planning to go to Europe next year probably around May or September. We plan to spend five days in Paris, four days in Rome, three days in Florence and two days in Venice. While in Paris for five days, we would like to make a side trip to London for one day and another side trip to Bruges for another day? We plan on taking bus tours while in London and Bruges to take in as much sites as possible. Would that be doable and/or practical? What do you suggest?
Warren,
Thank you. Those side trips from Paris ARE possible, although both would be very busy days. The Eurostar leaves from Gare du Nord frequently and takes about 90 minutes each way, but you have to be there at least 30 minutes early (like a flight) and security is pretty heavy so it’s best to arrive at least 45 minutes early. So as long as you book on a morning departure, say, 8 AM, you will arrive at St. Pancras station in London well before 10 AM. It’s fairly center so you could take the tube to Big Ben (which is near loads of other famous landmarks) in 30 minutes or so.
The trains go pretty late, so you could even book a 8PM departure and leave after dinner in London and still be back in your Paris hotel room by 11 AM. It’s important to book at least 3 months out though as fares rise and availability is tougher as the date draws closer.
For Bruges you take the Thalys train, also from Gare du Nord, to Brussels in a bit over 90 minutes and then switch to the local train to Bruges that takes another hour. You need reservations on the Paris to Brussels train, and buying early is also cheaper and better, but at least you can walk on the train just before it departs.
If you are going to do both of those, or even just one, it seems wise to book a hotel close to Gare du Nord. It’s a pretty good and central area anyway, and it will make both of those day trips much easier. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hello Roger: My wife and I (both 65) are considering a trip that starts in Nice, and then travels to Italy. Approximately 7 days in duration…coming from the USA. Can you recommennd a good itinerary and estimated ccosts. Whould you recomment a rental car or rail pass? Thanks
Hey Ken,
If you’ve only got 7 days, I’d recommend no more than 3 stops because it takes a good chunk of the day to get from one city to another and check out and into hotels and such. I’d spend 2 or 3 nights in Nice and then head to Italy. The most common stops in Italy are Rome, Florence, and Venice. I’d probably fly from Nice to Venice and spend about 24 hours there and then take a train to Rome for your final 3 nights there. If you had 8 or 9 nights I’d recommend stopping in Florence after Venice for two nights or so.
As for costs, it’s hard to say because everyone has different preferences. If you stayed in modest 3-star hotels (with good locations) and didn’t splurge much on meals, you could do this for as little as about US$100 per person, per day. In other words, you should be able to find acceptable hotels starting around €100 (US$117) per night for a double room, including breakfast. Under the current circumstances I’m sure there are great bargains at nicer hotels. All of that said, you can spend double that amount easily. The flights from Nice to Venice will be cheap if you book well in advance. The trains within Italy are also cheap if booked at least a couple weeks out.
A rental car would be a big hassle, partly because parking is a challenge in every European city. And rail passes are only worthwhile for longer trips where you want to be able to make plans as you go. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hello Roger. I found your articles very helpful. My friends and I are planning a first time 3 week trip that may look like this:
Amsterdam-London-Paris-Switzerland (Interlaken and Lucern)-Italy (Rome and Cince Terre)- Prague. We’d have to fly back to Amsterdam for the flight back home. We would be using mostly trains and then a flight in and out of Prague. Do you think this is do-able or what cities should we skip?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Joy,
This trip sounds really great. My general recommendation is to spend 3 nights in almost any European city you visit, but London and Paris are large enough that 4 days is better if you have the time.
The one city I’d recommend saving for a future trip on your list would be Prague. It’s an amazing place, but it’s very far from all of your others so you’d have to fly in and then fly on to your next stop. If you saved that for later you could do all of it by train, except for a flight back to Amsterdam at the end. Taking trains around Europe is FAR more enjoyable than flying around, and you’ll get some great scenery on many of those rides.
For Italy you’d probably have enough time to stop in Venice for a day or so and then Florence for 2 or 3 days on your way to Rome. You might even do Cinque Terre as a day trip from Florence instead of staying there. As for Switzerland, it’s very expensive so you might only spend 2 nights in Lucerne, and perhaps only 2 nights in Interlaken if you are tight on funds. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other specific questions. -Roger
Thank you for the detailed information. I am planning a trip and will be adopting this itinerary. Please provide information on the train or even a link to purchase the train tickets from one city to the other based on this itinerary. Thank you in advance for your help.
Temitayo,
For trains originating in France you should book at the official France rail website, and for trains originating in Italy you should book at the official Italy rail website. For nearly all city-to-city trains, the earlier you book the cheaper it can be, so booking a month or two in advance is best. For trains to the suburbs or from between Naples and Sorrento, you can buy train tickets on travel day and it’ll be the same price. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Thanks! Yes you are right! I have to replan the trip I guess..
What do you suggest?
Marseille to Florence, then from there to Venice and then Rome and then back to Marseille? Will this plan work out? Though I still haven’t finalized as to how to travel to Venice from Florence and then from Venice to Rome. I found that there are some high speed trains from Florence to Venice.. do you have any information on that? Also, 2 days in Paris is definitely not enough…but then we can’t do anything about that. Want your help on how to make best use of the two days. My daughter is very very excited about the Paris trip….a typical teenager’s dream is what she is having now – I want her to really enjoy the trip. Eiffel tower is definitely present on the list, Iam a bit confused about the museums though. Any inputs from you will be appreciated.
Thanks for the link on Switzerland. It is really helpful. We will skip the Swiss tour this time and maybe add one extra day to our Italy trip. We aill be in France until Sep next year and so I guess Spain and Switzerland can wait.
Thanks so much!
Nivedita,
Generally speaking it’s much better to use trains than buses in that part of Europe. The trains are almost always MUCH faster (and more comfortable) and if you buy at least a few weeks in advance they tend to be pretty cheap as well, especially in Italy. It’s probably best to get a fast train from Marseille to Milan and then a train to Venice and then to Florence and then to Rome from there.
As for Paris in two days, my best advice is to do the hop-on, hop-off bus tour on your first morning. It takes about 3 hours or so and you’ll see almost all of the most amazing sights and buildings in Paris before lunch on your first day. They leave from just in front of the Eiffel Tower. Nearly everyone wants to visit the Louvre, but it’s so huge that it would take 3 or 4 hours just walking full speed through it, so I’d just look for the Mona Lisa and a few other things that appeal to you and try to spend no more than two hours there. Actually, the Museum d’Orsay across the river is a MUCH nicer museum and filled with classic art, so if you want to more fully explore one museum I’d choose that one. I have a lot more advice on my review of the Paris Pass. Even if you don’t buy a Paris Pass I think it’ll be helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Your site is simply awesome! The patience you have in replying and clarifying doubts is just amazing. I too need your advice in planning my itinerary. Iam right now in Manosque, France – came here just a month back from India as my husband has been posted here. In January my niece is visiting us and she wants a trip to Europe. We (myself, my husband and my 16 year old daughter) have not ventured out anywhere so far…not even to Paris. My niece will be arriving in Paris on Jan 14 2020. So right now what we have planned is we will go to Paris on 13 Jan night from Aix (TGV) and planning for PAris trip for 2 days. We need to be back in Manosque on 16th. We are planning to visit Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Monaco on 18th and 19th. Then planning for a trip to Italy and Switzerland (my daughter and niece are adamant about Switzerland though the weather there is going to be extremely cold). WE have just 6 days ie 20 Jan to 26 Jan. 26 Jan night or 27 morning we need to be back in Manosque. Is it doable? How do you suggest we plan it?
Marsielle to Florence (bus)
Florence to Venice, then to Rome (20th, 21st and 22 nd )
Rome to Spain is possible? (maybe Barcelona?) (23 and 24?)
How do I travel to Switzerland? It is confusing…my husband says we are closer to Switzerland and so we should plan th from here itself. WHat do you suggest? I think my query is as confusing as Iam right now. Can you please help?
Thank you so much!!
Nivedita,
I’m happy you are finding the site to be helpful. My standard recommendation is to spend 3 nights in almost any European city that you visit. That said, I think you could enjoy Italy in 6 total days with one day in Venice, two days in Florence, and three days in Rome. Those cities are about two hours apart by train and by the time you check out of one hotel and check into a hotel in the next city, half the day will be gone. You could save Florence for a future trip, but I wouldn’t recommend trying to see each city in just one day.
From where you are you’d have to get to Geneva to enter Switzerland and I’m not sure how long that takes to get there. From Geneva you are still several hours from the better tourist areas by train. This article about where to go in Switzerland should help you plan that trip at least.
I definitely wouldn’t try to add Spain onto an Italy or Switzerland trip unless you had at least 3 days to spend there. Most of these cities are pretty large and packed with wonderful sights. If you only have 4 hours for sightseeing you’ll be able to see one or two things at most and then you’ll have to have dinner and prepare to leave the next morning. I’m happy to help you plan this trip, although I think you need more time or fewer places to try to fit in. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Your detailed itinerary has been very helpful! I am in the process of planning my honeymoon and wanted to run through some ideas. We are planning to travel August 2020. So far, this is what I have come up with:
Fly to Paris (3 nights) (maybe Versailles as well?)
Nice (2-3 nights) with trips to Cannes, Monaco
Cinque Terre (1-2 nights)
Florence (2 nights)
Milan on way to Lake Como (2 nights)
Fly back home from Milan
3 years ago, I did a trip to Italy and saw almost all the cities on my wish list (Rome, Florence, Pisa, Tuscany (San Gimignano, Chianti, Sienna), Capri, Postiano, Amalfi, and Venice. My finance has been to Rome and Venice before as well. We are trying to not repeat cities we have already visited but I thought Florence would be a good city to repeat together.
Any tips on must do places between the French and Italian Rivera? Also, what would be the best way to travel from Nice to Cinque Terre? Both of us have an infinity to Italy but want to make sure we spend our ~2 weeks seeing the most of these places.
Thank you in advance!!
Tehreem,
I’m glad the above article has helped, and I think your plan sounds very good. It’s great that you’ve seen so much of Italy already and I agree that seeing new places is usually better. Paris in August is wonderful because the city feels half empty since so many office workers are gone for the month.
I think your plan for the France and Italy coasts is good, although parts might be tricky. The reason that Paris feels half empty in August is that so many people are on the coasts, so the Riviera will be packed and at the highest hotel rates of the year. If you book something early you should be able to get good value, and the hotels only hold so many people so it’s not like there will be sleeping in the streets, but it will be crowded. With only 2 or 3 nights I agree that spending time in Nice itself is wise (it’s a major highlight and the best transportation hub), and half a day in Cannes and half a day in Monaco are the two best day trips (each 20 minutes away by train).
Now, as for the Cinque Terre, those are five tiny villages (unlike those larger French cities) and people say they have become so crowded that it’s hard to enjoy them anymore. August will obviously be a peak time to visit, so it’s hard to say whether you should join the crowds. There are other less-famous Italian beach towns closer to Genoa that you might try instead, and then you can at least take a train for part of a day to see Vernazza, which is arguably the most photogenic village. Either way, you can take a train from Nice to Genoa in 3 to 4 hours and then transfer to the local train that goes to La Spezia, and also stops in all five villages. From La Spezia to Florence you can take a fast train.
Lake Como will also be at peak crowding in August, but it’s a pretty large area and if you book early you should find something nice at a decent price. As always, let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Hi Roger,
Thanks to your page I find this really helpful!
We’re traveling to Europe during the holy week to first week of May. Do you think this is a feasible itinerary considering we want to attend easter sunday mass at the Vatican and visit Disneyland in Paris?
Rome – 3 days
Florence – 2.5 days
Venice – 1.5 days
Verona – 1 day
Amsterdam – 2.5 days
Paris including Versailles – 4 days
If you can also provide some tips as to which places we should consider getting passes and taking hop-on/hop-off buses.
Thanks!
Claire,
I’m glad you find this useful. I’ve not been in Rome during Holy Week and I hear it’s quite crowded, but as long as you have hotels and trains and flights booked well in advance it should be great.
Your itinerary should work well. You can take trains within Italy and then fly from Venice or Milan to Amsterdam, and then the high-speed train from Amsterdam to Paris to finish the trip out.
The Rome and Vatican Pass is a good deal as long as you are doing the included attractions, but that week some of them might be very crowded.
The Paris Pass is also a good deal for most people and it includes my favorite hop-on, hop-off bus tour in the world (I’ve done dozens of them and Paris is the best). I also highly recommend the included Seine River cruise shortly after sunset. The Amsterdam Pass can be a good deal if you want to see a lot and aren’t fond of walking, but for most people it’s not ideal. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger
Thanks for the comments Roger. Definitely taking them on-board. I’ll check out the accommodation options then make a decision. Sounds like we don’t miss anything by not seeing Murano and often it makes planning easier, knowing what NOT to see, as much as knowing what TO see… Chris.
Hey there Roger. We have 2 nights at Venice but not sure yet if we will stay on the main island or on the mainland. Since budget is a big concern for us I assume it will be the mainland. If that is the case, and we spend just 1 full day on Venice itself do you think it’s worthwhile seeing the other islands (e.g. Murano & Lido) or would you stick to the main island? Thanks
Chris,
I’ve spent most of my time on the main island and I highly recommend staying there if you can possibly afford it. As I’ve said so often, the main island is where all of the big sights are located and it’s packed to the gills with cruise passengers and day trippers from about 09:00 until 18:00 each day. So the best strategy, if you can pull it off, is to pay a bit more to stay on the main island and then wake up early to wander around before things get crowded, and then wander around in the evening when most of the crowds have left. Restaurants there close pretty early (most by or before 10pm) so it’s not a party island, but it really is lovely with fewer people around.
I haven’t been to Murano or Lido, but I’ve heard quite a bit about them. Murano, as you probably know, is where many people go to check out a super-touristy glass factory and sometimes buy overpriced souvenirs. Lido, on the other hand, is quite nice and much less crowded so that could be a good place to escape from the crowds in the middle of the day. You can get back to the mainland any time in the evening so you can still stay later and have dinner there. It’s just that most visitors are so worn out from the crowds by the end of the afternoon that they prefer to head back to their hotels (or buses) and have dinner somewhere else. -Roger